Super-fit Olympic hero Alistair Brownlee, of Bingley Harriers, has confirmed he has had to go to hospital for the first time – to have his appendix removed.

The gold medallist from Bramhope said he was taken ill as he travelled to catch a flight to Brazil last week.

After first consulting with his doctor father Keith, he was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary, where he had to have his appendix removed in a routine operation.

Brownlee, who provided one of the most high-profile success stories of London 2012, took to Twitter to thank his father for the advice and the NHS for his treatment.

He tweeted: “Yes it was my appendix. Got horribly ill last week, went into hospital with a sore tummy and came out two days later. Thanks Dad and the NHS!”

He added: “Was on my way to airport en route to Brazil, trip put back a week and first trip to a Hospital instead."

Brownlee even posted a graphic surgical picture of his infected body part and joked that he might put it on eBay.

His father, who is a consultant paediatrician, said: "The whole family was absolutely delighted at the care and treatment Alistair received from the doctors, nurses and other staff at Leeds General Infirmary."